Many dental patients wonder if there is a right order when it comes to brushing or flossing first. Read on to see why your dentist may recommend one over the other, or whether or not it even matters which hygiene method you perform first.
Several studies have found that it may be more beneficial to floss your teeth before brushing them. Dentists recommend flossing first to remove debris between your teeth, then brushing afterwards to rinse and flush them out of your mouth for good.
Does the Order Really Matter?
Although some tests say that flossing before brushing is better, does it really matter which one you do first?
If you are brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing at least once every other day, you should have excellent oral hygiene no matter which task you do first. The bottom line is that it’s best to brush and floss in the first place rather than not do either.
As long as you’re not letting plaque sit on your teeth for multiple days at a time, you can brush and floss in whichever order you would like. We can ensure you that your dentist will be happy to hear you tell them you’ve been flossing and brushing every day. They won’t even think to ask about which order you do it in!
Should you Floss Before You Brush Every Time?
You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day to keep good oral hygiene. Now that we have determined that you should floss before you brush your teeth, how often should you do so?
You don’t need to floss your teeth every time you brush them. You can’t floss too much unless you are doing so incorrectly. The American Dental Association recommends flossing once per day, however, those who floss every other day or even two to three times a week usually have great oral health. The important thing is to make sure you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing several times per week.
Contact Family Tree Dental Today!
If you live near Southeast Ohio and you’re looking for a new dentist, Family Tree Dental is here to help. Our dentists and hygienists will provide you with top-notch care, whether it’s for a regular cleaning or something more serious. Contact us today for an appointment!
